# NTSB Accident LAX97LA061
> **McDonnell Douglas MD-600N** · 1996-11-21 · FLAGSTAFF, AZ, USA · NONE
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97LA061
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07083
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-11-21
- **Location:** FLAGSTAFF, AZ, USA
- **Coordinates:** 35.22969, -111.719329
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** NONE
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 1
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** McDonnell Douglas
- **Model:** MD-600N
- **Registration:** N630N
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's inattention to the altitude and inadvertent late entry into an autorotation maneuver below the established minimum test altitude with a helicopter operating at maximum gross weight in a high density altitude environment that led to a subsequent hard landing.  Contributing were the lack of positive communications between ground test personnel and the pilot regarding the low altitude, and the lack of accurate in-flight and ground altimeter equipment.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97LA061) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*